The Most Experienced Yard Drainage Experts in the Twin Cities

Protect your home and yard from water damage with properly designed underground downspout drainage systems. Since 2003, KG Landscape has helped Twin Cities homeowners eliminate soggy lawns, basement moisture, ice hazards, and erosion through thoughtful drainage planning and long-term, durable solutions.

👉 Request an On-Site Drainage Evaluation

What Is Underground Downspout Drainage?

Underground downspout drainage systems collect rainwater from your gutter downspouts and route it safely underground to discharge away from your home and landscape features.

How Underground Downspout Drainage Systems Protect Your Yard and Home

In the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, where heavy summer rain, snowmelt, and freeze-thaw cycles are common, directing roof runoff below the surface is critical for protecting your property.

These systems help prevent water from washing into planting beds around the foundation, reduce ice buildup on sidewalks and walkways during Minnesota winters, and protect patios, retaining walls, and other hardscape features from erosion and long-term water damage.

What Happens When Downspouts Drain at the Surface

• Water pools near foundation
• Can contribute to water / moisture in basements
• Downspout extensions may cause trip hazards
• Will cause basement problems when foundation grading is poor
• Downspout extensions don't look very nice in the landscape
• Can cause soggy lawns where downspouts empty into flat areas
• May cause ice buildup in winter
• May cause  mulch erosion onto sidewalks

How Underground Downspouts Work

• Catch basins are installed below downspouts
• Water from downspout is ran directly into the catch basin
• KG will use aluminum or flexible poly connections to so that the downspout empty's within 0-2" of the top grate on the catch basin
• Solid piping is connected to the catch basin for the first 10-15' away from the foundation (underground pipe)
• KG then switches to perforated pipe after reaching 10-15' away from the house (helps with freeze protection)
• We discharge water from these systems via a pop-up or daylight emitter down hill and far away from the house
  

Where Underground Downspouts Are Most Commonly Installed

Underground downspouts are one of the most effective drainage solutions KG Landscape provides to homeowners throughout the Minneapolis–St. Paul area. During our on-site drainage consultations, we identify which downspouts are contributing most to yard, foundation, or basement moisture problems and recommend routing those downspouts underground using a properly designed underground drainage system.

With decades of experience installing underground downspouts in the Twin Cities, we understand that placement matters just as much as installation. Soil conditions, yard slopes, sidewalk and patio layouts, and Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles all factor into where and how downspouts should be routed underground.

Our expertise in strategic underground downspout placement ensures each system is installed at the right time, in the right place, and in the right way—moving water safely away from the home and preventing future drainage problems caused by improper design or installation.

Between the House and Front Sidewalks / Walkways

• Eliminates trip hazards
• Prevents ice buildup
• We build these into our new front walkway designs
• Cleaner, safer walkways

Between Garage and Sidewalk Areas

• Common near garbage can storage
• Keeps walk paths clear year-round

Patios and Hardscape Areas

• We run downspout underground when they would otherwise empty onto patio
• We design these underground drain pipes for new patios to ensure everything works together 
• Catch basins are always installed below downspouts (can debris via cover and sediment via trap)
• Pipes routed under or around patios
  

Side Yards and Narrow Access Areas

Side yards are one of the most common problem areas for downspouts in the Twin Cities, and homeowners frequently search for this without knowing the term.

• Side yard drainage problems
• Narrow yard drainage solutions
• Downspouts located between homes with limited drainage space
• Water trapped between foundations due to poor grading and clay soils
• Ideal locations for underground downspouts to prevent soggy turf
• Keeps narrow walk paths clear and usable

Combining Underground Downspouts and Sump Pump Solutions

• A catch basin below the downspout and sump discharge with "Y" into a shared underground drain pipe
• Great way to "kill two birds with one stone."
• See example phot below of a project where we did this in Plymouth
  

Areas with Poor Grading or Limited Slope

• Locations where surface grading alone cannot carry water safely away
• Flat backyards (especially for homes with walkout basements)
• Common near foundations, patios, and flat backyard areas
• Requires careful elevation planning and discharge design
• May incorporate drain tile system in the lawn
• Underground systems allow water to be routed to better drainage zones

Solutions We Offer - How We Safely Discharge Water from Underground Downspout Systems

At KG Landscape, the success of an underground downspout system depends on where and how the water is discharged. Every system is carefully designed to move water away from the home, prevent backflow, and reduce freeze-thaw risks common in the Twin Cities.

Daylight Drainage Discharge Systems

A daylight discharge system allows water to flow freely out of the underground drain pipe without creating a trap. Unlike pop-up emitters, daylight systems do not require the pipe to turn upward toward the surface. Instead, water moves through the pipe on a continuous slope and exits directly at the discharge point.

• Water flows straight through the pipe with no trapped section
• Pipe discharges downhill at the end of the system
• Requires sufficient slope and cannot be installed in flat yards
• Eliminates standing water in the line after rain events

Because there is no trap at the discharge end, daylight systems are our preferred option whenever site conditions allow. They are the most effective at reducing freeze-thaw issues in Minnesota’s climate.

KG Landscape always installs a protective grate or cap at the discharge point. Our preferred option is a 45-degree grate emitter, which sits flush with sloped lawns and hillsides. In non-mowed or naturalized areas, we may use flat cap systems where appropriate.

Discharging Water into Naturalized Backyard Areas

For backyards that border naturalized spaces such as wetlands, lakes, or prairie-style plantings, KG Landscape often discharges water from underground downspout systems into these areas.

• Directs roof runoff away from turf areas that can become soggy
• Uses naturalized landscapes to safely disperse water
• Helps prevent muddy lawns and standing water near the home
• Ideal for properties with prairie plantings or native vegetation

Creating Low Points to Improve Backyard Drainage

In some backyards, naturalized areas are slightly too flat for ideal daylight discharge. When this occurs, we can modify the landscape to improve drainage performance.

• Subtle low points carved into naturalized or landscaped areas
• Improves pipe pitch and drainage efficiency
• Allows water to discharge more quickly from the system
• Often makes daylight discharge possible where a pop-up emitter would otherwise be required

Pop-Up Emitter Discharge Systems

Pop-up emitters are the most common and effective way we discharge water from underground downspout systems.

• Flat, low-profile cap sits flush with the lawn and can be easily mowed over
• When water flows through the pipe, the top tab pops up to release water
• Water disperses downhill into the street, backyard lawn, or naturalized areas
• Prevents erosion and surface washout near the foundation

Proper elevation is critical

For water to discharge correctly, the pipe must fill to a level higher than the pop-up tab. We carefully measure elevations to ensure:

• No trapped water can ever flow back toward the house
• Proper pitch from the catch basin at the downspout to the discharge point
• Reliable flow during heavy rain events
  

Trapped Water Management & Freeze-Thaw Protection

Because some water can remain in underground lines after rain events, we design systems that allow this water to clear out safely and help prevent blockage from freezing .

• Non-perforated pipe used near the home for protection
• Perforated pipe installed once the line is at least 15 feet away from the house
• Tiny perforations allow trapped water to slowly weep into surrounding soil
• Helps prevent standing water in the line and reduces freeze-thaw risk
  

French Drain Integration at Discharge Points

In some situations, we enhance drainage performance by adding a French drain near the end of the system.

• Typically 10–20 linear feet near the discharge end
• Perforated pipe surrounded by crushed rock
• Rock bed installed approximately 12 inches below the pipe
• Creates void space that allows water to exit the system quickly
• Helps clear trapped water from the line after rain events

This added drainage capacity improves system reliability and longevity in Minnesota’s climate.

Discharge Points Near Property Lines and Shared Swales

When underground downspout drainage systems discharge near property lines—whether in backyards, side yards, or less commonly front yards—those discharge locations must be planned carefully to avoid unintended impacts on neighboring properties.

• Discharge points are often located within a few feet of a property line
• Commonly placed where a shared swale exists between neighboring lots
• Swales are designed to carry water in a specific direction through the neighborhood
• Final discharge may flow toward a street, city drainage system, or nearby wetland

Respecting neighbors and existing drainage patterns is critical

In many neighborhoods, yards are intentionally graded so water from multiple properties drains toward a shared swale or low area. In situations where one property sits higher than a neighboring yard, water will naturally move downhill regardless of improvements made on the upper property.

To manage this responsibly, KG Landscape focuses on:

• Directing water toward the downhill side of the property
• Avoiding single-point discharge that could cause erosion or concentrated wet spots for neighbors
• Allowing water to spread and sheet across the landscape when appropriate
• Routing water toward curb lines or streets whenever possible to keep runoff off neighboring properties

Our goal is to resolve drainage issues effectively while respecting property lines, existing grading, and maintaining good relationships between neighbors.

Rain Garden Integration

In yards where no natural low point exists to safely receive water from downspouts, KG Landscape may recommend creating a controlled, artificial low point designed to manage excess stormwater. Rain gardens are an effective solution when homeowners want to combine drainage improvements with eco-friendly landscaping.

• Designed to temporarily hold and absorb roof runoff after rain events
• Ideal for integrating pollinator gardens, native plantings, and prairie landscapes
• Helps manage stormwater naturally on your property
• Reduces runoff to lawns that could otherwise become soggy

KG Landscape designs rain gardens that balance effective drainage with your landscaping goals, creating functional spaces that support both water management and plant health.

Underground Dry Well Systems

When no suitable surface discharge location exists, KG Landscape often designs underground dry well systems to manage water from underground downspouts, sump pump discharge, and other drainage features such as French drains.

• Holds and slowly absorbs large volumes of roof and surface runoff
• Ideal when rain gardens or surface features are not desired or feasible
• Common solution for small or urban yards in Minneapolis and St. Paul
• Installed entirely below grade with no visible impact on the lawn

Dry well systems allow water to be stored underground and released gradually into surrounding soil. Once installed, the area above the dry well remains usable lawn space, maintaining the appearance and function of the yard without added obstructions or grading changes.

Check out this case study example to see exactly how we used a dry wells to hold and absorb water in this Minneapolis yard with no other water outlet options.

Why Material Choice Matters for Underground Drainage

At KG Landscape, we bring over 20 years of experience designing and installing underground drainage systems throughout the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro. Over time, we’ve learned that long-term performance depends on thoughtful design and the right material choices for each specific condition.

Every underground downspout system we build is designed to maximize durability, protect nearby structures, and perform reliably through Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles.

The Catch Basin

Rather than tying downspouts directly into underground piping, KG Landscape installs 12"x12" catch basin boxes beneath downspouts to protect the drainage system from debris.

• Grated top filters leaves and large debris before water enters the system
• Provides a clean-out and inspection point at the start of the system
• Prevents debris from washing directly into underground pipes
• Built-in trap at the bottom of the basin
• Outlet pipe begins 4–6 inches above the basin floor
• Allows roof granules, dirt, and small stones to settle safely at the bottom
• Reduces long-term clogging in underground pipes
• Removable grate allows easy access for future cleanout

Catch basins are a critical first layer of protection that help underground drainage systems remain functional for decades.

Corrugated Pipe vs. PVC Pipe

Both corrugated and PVC pipe have their place in underground drainage systems. The key is knowing when and where to use each material.

When We Use PVC Pipe

PVC pipe is used when maximum strength and long-term durability are required.

• Installed below patios, walkways, and other hardscape
• Used near retaining walls and structural features
• Ideal when routing pipe around trees with aggressive root systems
• Always non-perforated to prevent root intrusion and water seepage
• Highly resistant to crushing and long-term deformation

PVC is also commonly used in French drain systems installed beneath patios or hardscapes where access would be difficult if repairs were ever needed.

When We Use Corrugated Pipe

Corrugated pipe is flexible, efficient, and well-suited for many underground drainage applications.

• Flexible material adapts well to grading changes
• Easier to work around obstacles
• Provides some tolerance for freeze-thaw movement
• Commonly used for longer underground runs in lawn areas

For most residential underground drainage systems, corrugated pipe provides an effective balance of performance and adaptability.

Non-Perforated Pipe Near the Home

To protect the foundation, KG Landscape always begins underground downspout systems with non-perforated pipe.



• First 15 feet (or more) from the home uses solid pipe
• Prevents water from seeping into soil near the foundation
• Protects basements, footings, patios, and nearby structures
• Used near all sensitive areas where moisture is undesirable

When and Why We Use Perforated Pipe

After safely moving water away from the home, we may transition to perforated pipe depending on site conditions.

• Allows trapped water to drain from pop-up emitter systems
• Helps reduce freeze-thaw risks by clearing standing water
• Improves drainage in surrounding lawn areas
• Essential component of French drain systems

When perforated pipe is used:

• Pipe is wrapped in a silt sock to limit sediment entry
• French drain sections include crushed rock and heavy-duty filtration fabric
• Additional fabric protection may be added near trees or garden beds

These layers work together to keep water moving while protecting the pipe from clogging over time.

Drainage Challenges in Clay Soils & Walkout Basements

KG Landscape specializes in solving downspout drainage problems in yards with clay soil throughout the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro. While underground downspout systems are a key part of our work, we take a comprehensive approach to outdoor drainage by designing integrated drainage solutions tailored to each property.

Our systems often combine underground downspout drainage with sump pump discharge solutions, lawn drain tiling, and French drains in wet areas, around patios, and within foundation landscaping. By designing these components to work together, we address the root causes of drainage issues rather than treating symptoms.

With decades of experience, KG Landscape delivers long-term, durable outdoor drainage solutions built to perform reliably in Minnesota’s challenging soil and climate conditions.

Twin Cities Areas with Common Clay Issues

• Plymouth
• Minnetonka
• Maple Grove
• Medina
• Excelsior
• Chanhassen
• Mendota Heights
• Inver grove heights & North Oaks  
• Certain neighborhoods in Minneapolis and St. Paul
• Parts of many other cities in the metro as well 

Why Walkout Basements Create Drainage Problems

• Roof water directed downhill
• Side yards and neighbors water run into backyard
• Water in heavy clay soils follows the foundation draining downhill into backyard along the foundation
• Backyard receives most runoff from the downspouts (often both side yards and backyard downspouts)

Freeze-Thaw Damage to Patios and Deck Footings

• Water pooling near structures
• Soil movement and settling
• Wet clay soils expand and contract causing patios and deck footing to shift

Benefits of Underground Downspout Drainage

Underground downspout drainage systems solve multiple outdoor drainage problems at once. When properly designed and installed, they improve safety, protect structures, and create a cleaner, more functional yard—especially in Twin Cities soil and weather conditions.

Protects Foundations and Structures

• Moves roof runoff away from the foundation
• Reduces soil saturation near basement walls
• Helps prevent moisture intrusion and long-term foundation issues

Eliminates Trip Hazards

• Removes above-ground downspout extensions from walkways, helps improve curb appeal
• Keeps sidewalks, patios, and paths clear and accessible
• Improves safety around garages and entry areas

Reduces Ice Buildup in Winter

• Prevents water from freezing on sidewalks and driveways
• Reduces slip hazards during freeze-thaw cycles
• Keeps winter runoff directed away from pedestrian areas

Prevents Mulch and Soil Erosion

• Stops water from washing mulch onto sidewalks
• Protects planting beds and foundation landscaping
• Reduces erosion caused by concentrated roof runoff

Cleaner, More Functional Yard Space

• Eliminates soggy lawn areas near downspouts
• Keeps patios and outdoor living spaces dry
• Improves overall appearance and usability of the yard

Our Service Area

KG Landscape provides professional underground downspout drainage and outdoor drainage solutions throughout the Minneapolis–St. Paul and Twin Cities metro area. Our team designs and installs drainage systems built specifically for Minnesota soil conditions, grading challenges, and weather patterns.

We proudly serve homeowners in the following communities:

• Minneapolis
• St. Paul
• Plymouth
• Minnetonka
• Maple Grove
• Edina
• And surrounding metro communities
  

Frequently Asked Questions About Underground Downspout Drainage

1. Should downspouts be run underground in Minnesota?

Yes. In Minnesota’s climate, underground downspout drainage is often the most effective way to manage heavy rain, snowmelt, and freeze-thaw cycles. Running downspouts underground helps move water away from the foundation, reduce ice buildup on walkways, and prevent soggy lawns—especially in clay soils common throughout the Twin Cities.

2. How far should underground downspouts drain away from the house?

Underground downspouts should discharge water far enough from the foundation so it cannot flow back toward the home. In most cases, this means routing water at least 15 feet or more away from the house, depending on yard slope, soil conditions, and available discharge locations.

3. What is better: a pop-up emitter or a daylight drain?

Daylight drainage is typically the preferred option when enough slope exists, because water flows freely without trapping water in the pipe. Pop-up emitters are used when yards are too flat for daylight discharge. Both systems can work well when designed and installed correctly, but daylight drains are less prone to freeze-thaw issues.

4. Can underground downspouts help fix basement moisture problems?

Yes. When downspouts empty too close to the home, excess water can saturate soil near the foundation and lead to basement moisture issues. Routing downspouts underground and discharging water farther away reduces soil saturation near the foundation and can help prevent moisture intrusion through foundation walls.

5. How much does underground downspout drainage cost in the Twin Cities?

The cost of underground downspout drainage varies based on the number of downspouts, pipe length, discharge method, and site conditions. In the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, projects typically require a professional evaluation to determine scope and pricing. KG Landscape offers on-site drainage consultations and applies the consultation fee toward installation when the project moves forward.